Cumulus cells and their extracellular matrix affect the quality of the spermatozoa penetrating the cumulus mass.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of the cumulus cells and the cumulus matrix in affecting the penetrability, morphology, acrosome reaction, and motility of human spermatozoa penetrating the cumulus oophorus.


METHODS
Controlled experimental laboratory study.


METHODS
University gynecology unit.


METHODS
Women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment and men visiting the subfertility clinics.


METHODS
Human spermatozoa were allowed to penetrate through the cumulus oophorus and cell-depleted cumulus matrix in a capillary, and were treated with cumulus cell extract or hyaluronic acid.


METHODS
The morphology, acrosomal status, and motility of human spermatozoa were determined.


RESULTS
Fewer spermatozoa could penetrate the fresh cell-depleted matrix compared with intact cumulus oophorus. Spermatozoa that penetrated through the cumulus oophorus had higher percentages of normal morphology and acrosome reaction and had specific motility pattern. These effects were lost or reduced in the cell-depleted matrix that had been stored overnight. Hyaluronic acid, a main component of the cumulus matrix at concentration found in the cumulus oophorus, modulated sperm motility but did not affect spontaneous acrosome reaction. Cumulus cell extract did not affect sperm motility, but induced acrosome reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Both the cumulus matrix and the cumulus cells contribute to the effect of cumulus oophorus on spermatozoa penetrating through it.
Hong
Shun-Jia
SJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.
Chiu
Philip Chi-Ngong
PC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
Lee
Kai-Fai
KF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
Tse
Jenny Yin-Mei
JY
Innovation and Technology Commission, Wanchai, Hong Kong, China.
Ho
Pak-Chung
PC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
Yeung
William Shu-Biu
WS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: wsbyeung@hkucc.hku.hk.
D000177:Acrosome / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002457:Cell Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D002457:Cell Extracts; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid